Events

Fewer companies, higher valuations

There were 4,331 U.S. public companies as of the end of 2016. The number was relatively unchanged from the end of 2015, up 50 companies. However, since 2005 the number has declined by a net 814 public companies. Between 2005 and 2010, 866 listed stocks disappeared. In the recession of 2008 and 2009 alone, 708 companies dropped out.

Total market cap of listed companies was $27.4 trillion at the end of 2016, up about $10 trillion from 2010. Average market cap per stock was $6.32 billion, almost double what it was in 2005.